(NAPSI)—For homeowners wanting a fresh look, there's one project that can
give their home a whole new appearance while adding value at the same time:
re-siding. Re-siding is one of the most important maintenance tasks Minneapolis homeowners
can take on during the spring and summer. The project provides a chance to
replace worn, damaged siding with new siding that refreshes the exterior and
improves curb appeal. After all, nothing decreases curb appeal faster than
rotting, peeling siding.

As with any home remodeling project, there are important questions to
consider. In this case, homeowners often ask themselves "What's the best
siding for my home?" Selecting the right siding can be a balancing act—it
needs to be affordable, yet durable and attractive.

It may be second nature for homeowners to immediately turn to a wood or
wood composite siding for its natural and rustic appearance, but what they
may not know is that there are other options available that can still provide
the aesthetic they're looking for without the frequent maintenance cycles.
The solution? Fiber cement siding. Here are five
reasons why fiber cement is one of the most popular siding options among homeowners:

Offers the Traditional Look of Wood

Wood is popular for its natural texture and rustic aesthetic, but
appearance isn't the only factor to consider when selecting siding for your
home. Fiber cement gives the best of both worlds—homeowners can still achieve
the authentic woodlike aesthetic, but without the
frequent upkeep associated with wood or wood-based siding. James Hardie® fiber cement siding, for instance, embodies the
warmth and character of wood through various textures, shapes, sizes and colors
to give homeowners the look they want.

The versatility of fiber cement's colors and textures makes it easy for
homeowners to select a color and style that reflect their personal tastes,
whether they prefer a classic vintage home or a more contemporary appearance.
Not only will re-siding with fiber cement boost curb appeal and improve the
overall value of the home, it will help keep the exterior looking fresh
despite day-to-day exposure to weather, water, time and pests.

Requires Less Maintenance

If homeowners knew up front how much maintenance was involved in
maintaining their wood siding year after year, they might reconsider wood in
the first place. The frequent repainting of wood requires more time and money
spent on upkeep. Like wood, fiber cement can be painted any color to give
your home a fresh look, but fiber cement requires less maintenance. James Hardie'sColorPlus®
Technology bakes on multiple coats of color in a controlled environment for a
strong bond that resists fading, peeling and cracking. Its durability and
staying power provide an exceptionally beautiful, authentic exterior with
less upkeep.

Resists Harsh Weather Conditions

Your home was a big investment, and one you want to protect.
Unfortunately, you can't control what type of weather comes your way, so it's
critical to make sure your home is prepared for even the harshest weather
conditions. Fiber cement siding provides the durability needed to withstand
inclement weather.

Fiber cement and wood or wood-based siding react differently to exposure
to moisture. While wood or wood-based siding may rot, curl, warp or split,
fiber cement resists the harsh elements so you're not left to deal with the
expansion and contraction that can lead to unsightly corners and cracking,
chipping paint. And it's not just the outside of your home that suffers from
warping and splitting—this can cause moisture to infiltrate, creating
interior water damage.

Combats Common Hazards

There are a lot of home maintenance issues homeowners have to worry about,
but pests destroying their exterior siding shouldn't be one of them. Wood can
attract problems like termites and other pests that can eventually severely
damage the look of siding and may even call for a complete re-side. When
pests find their way into a home, it may end up costing homeowners thousands
of dollars' worth of damage. Fiber cement, however, naturally resists damage
from pests because it's not composed of materials appealing to termites and
other bugs.

Of course, termites aren't the only thing that pose
a threat to wood siding. Wood is extremely susceptible to fire as well. Fiber
cement siding, however, is not combustible, won't melt and resists the spread
of flame, providing greater security from fire than wood and plastic-based
siding products.

Helps Save Money Over the Long Term

The potential for chipping, warping and rotting, and the frequent need to
re-paint can turn wood or wood-based siding into more of a project than any
homeowner has the time or expenses to maintain. Fiber cement's extreme
durability and lower maintenance make it an investment that pays for itself
over time. With less upkeep, homeowners can allocate that money and time to
other home updates.